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Renting a car in Fort Lauderdale is a great idea if you want to get outside the city’s popular downtown and Fort Lauderdale Promenade and explore South Florida beaches, visit Everglades National Park, and have more freedom exploring the area.
Renting a car in Fort Lauderdale cost
An average price of a car rental in Fort Lauderdale starts around $40-50. The exact price depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the timing of your trip. Prices on car rentals during the high season in Fort Lauderdale from December through March are usually the highest, while prices in summer are the lowest.
✅ CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Renting a car in Fort Lauderdale airport
Renting a car at Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is convenient, but it’s also more expensive than renting a car off-site. While you will save money on Uber and taxis, your daily rate will most likely be higher for the same vehicle that you can rent outside the airport. In addition, many car rental companies at Fort Lauderdale Airport apply a fee on top of their daily rates.
Picking up your rental car at the airport will likely take longer, because there will be other travelers picking up their cars. If you arrive during the peak hours, you could spend some time waiting in line to get your car.
What’s the best car rental company at Fort Lauderdale airport?
The best car rental company at Fort Lauderdale airport is SIXT, based on reviews.
SIXT car rental Fort Lauderdale
SIXT is a popular car rental agency in Fort Lauderdale that has offices in Fort Lauderdale Airport and offsite just a few minutes from the airport. Its offices are located in Terminal D at Cypress Garage, 600 Terminal Drive.
You can rent cars at SIXT through DiscoverCars.
➡️ Read my complete guide to parking at Fort Lauderdale Airport
Cheap car rental Fort Lauderdale airport
Still, you can find plenty of inexpensive car rentals at Fort Lauderdale Airport. The key to getting a great deal on a car rental is to book your vehicle in advance. This is true whether you are visiting the area during the high season or a more quiet time of the year.
If you are going to visit Fort Lauderdale from December through March, book your car ahead of time to avoid high fees.
I recommend (and use) DiscoverCars, one of the most popular platforms for renting cars online, where you can find dozens of vehicles at competitive rates.
Why rent a car with DiscoverCars
DiscoverCars is one of the best platforms for renting cars in Florida, and you can choose from dozens of available vehicles.
All you need to do is type in your travel dates and specify the type of vehicle that you are looking for, and the platform will do all the work for you showing you all the available options.
One of the best things about booking your vehicle with DiscoverCars is that you can also buy your car insurance from them.
✅ CLICK HERE TO SAVE CAR RENTALS IN FORT LAUDERDALE
Tips for renting a car in Fort Lauderdale
➡️ Some resorts have parking fees
Some beachfront resorts in Fort Lauderdale and some hotels have parking fees. You can usually find the parking fees listed online when you book a hotel, but even if you don’t, it’s a good idea to ask.
➡️ Make sure to pay for parking
Popular places as well as Fort Lauderdale beach boardwalk have parking fees. Always pay for your parking fee to avoid a fine. Most places accept credit cards, and have hourly rates.
➡️ Look for a car rental online
If you walk into a local car rental company, you are likely going to pay a higher price than online. Book your car through DiscoverCars, which has flexible rates and many available vehicles including those from local companies.
➡️ Get a SunPass
To drive on highways in South Florida, you will need SunPass which pays for Florida tolls. Some car rental agencies may offer it to you when you rent a car, but if they don’t, you can get one at a grocery store like Publix.
➡️ Inspect the car before leaving
Before leaving the rental lot, thoroughly inspect the car for any existing damage. Note any scratches, dents, or other issues on the rental agreement. Take pictures if needed, and report any damage to the rental staff.
➡️ Arrive early
If you can, travel outside peak travel hours, when many car rental agencies at Fort Lauderdale have long lines. If you arrive early morning, there likely will be shorter lines than if you arrive in late afternoon or in the evening.
➡️ Be ready for South Florida traffic
South Florida traffic can get pretty bad, especially duringbusy hours. Plan your travel acocrdingly.
Car rental Fort Lauderdale Airport under 25
If you are under 25 and want to rent a car in Fort Lauderdale, you will most likely have to pay extra. Many car rental companies see younger drivers as less experienced and more likely to have an accident, so your daily rate will likely be higher.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Fort Lauderdale?
To rent a car in Fort Lauderdale, you typically need the following documents:
Driver’s license
You must have a valid driver’s license. International visitors should also have an international driver’s permit if their license is not in English.
Credit card
Most car rental companies require a credit card to book under the name of the main driver. Some companies may accept debit cards, but credit is always better for security reasons.
Age requirement
The minimum age to rent a car is usually 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a “young driver” surcharge.
Reservation confirmation
It’s a good idea to have your reservation confirmation with you, either in print or electronically.
Insurance information
Verify whether your personal auto insurance or credit card provides rental car coverage. If not, you may need to purchase insurance from the rental car company.
Additional drivers
If you plan to have additional drivers, they will need to present their driver’s licenses and, in some cases, may need to be added to the rental agreement, potentially incurring an additional fee.
Why rent a car in Fort Lauderdale:
📍Flexibility
Having a rental car provides you with the flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. You can create your itinerary and visit attractions on your schedule without relying on public transportation.
📍Access to beaches and attractions
Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches and diverse attractions. When you have a rental car, you can easily access different beaches, parks, and other points of interest like Everglades National Park.
📍Convenience
While Fort Lauderdale has public transportation options like buses and water taxis, a rental car offers convenience, especially for traveling to locations that may not be easily accessible by public transit. It can also be more convenient if you have luggage or other belongings to transport.
📍Day trips
If you’re interested in exploring nearby destinations like Miami, the Everglades, Delray Beach of Hollywood Beach, having a car makes day trips more convenient. You can venture beyond Fort Lauderdale and discover the diverse attractions that South Florida has to offer.
📍Scenic drives
The area around Fort Lauderdale features scenic drives, such as along the Intracoastal Waterway or through nearby natural parks. Having a car allows you to enjoy these drives and explore gorgeous Florida landscapes at your own pace.
📍Airport transportation
If you’re arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), having a rental car can make transportation to and from the airport more convenient, especially if your accommodations are not near public transportation options.
📍Cost-effective for groups
For groups traveling together, renting a car can be cost-effective compared to other transportation options, especially if you plan to explore multiple locations during your stay.
Best places to visit in Fort Lauderdale by car
Fort Lauderdale, located in southeastern Florida, offers a variety of attractions and is conveniently situated near several interesting destinations that can be explored with a rental car. Here are some places you might consider visiting:
1. Miami (Approximately 30 miles south)
Explore the vibrant city of Miami, known for its cultural diversity, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Visit popular neighborhoods like South Beach, Little Havana, and Wynwood Arts District.
2. Everglades National Park (Approximately 50 miles west)
Experience the unique ecosystem of the Everglades with its vast wetlands, wildlife, and airboat tours. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
3. Boca Raton (Approximately 20 miles north)
Enjoy the upscale community of Boca Raton, known for its beautiful parks, upscale shopping at Mizner Park, and cultural attractions like the Boca Raton Museum of Art.
4. Palm Beach (Approximately 45 miles north)
Visit the luxurious Palm Beach, known for its upscale shopping on Worth Avenue, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks like The Breakers.
5. Delray Beach (Approximately 30 miles north)
Explore the charming town of Delray Beach, known for its artsy atmosphere, vibrant Atlantic Avenue, and the best beaches in South Florida.
6. Fort Lauderdale Beach
While Fort Lauderdale itself has beautiful beaches, you might want to explore different sections of the coastline, such as Pompano Beach or Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
7. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Located in Fort Lauderdale, this historic estate offers a glimpse into Old Florida with its lush gardens and preserved home. It’s a serene escape from the bustling city.
8.Hollywood Beach Boardwalk (Approximately 10 miles south):
Enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, known for its lively atmosphere, shops, and restaurants.
Renting a car in Fort Lauderdale: FAQ’s
How do get around Fort Lauderdale without a rental car?
While a car rental is the most convenient way to get around Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas, it’s not the only type of transportation. You can get around by taking public buses, rideshares and trolleys.
The Broward County Transit System operates buses throughout the city and surrounding areas. You can use BCT buses to travel to different neighborhoods and points of interest. Given Fort Lauderdale’s extensive waterways, water taxis are a unique and scenic way to explore the city. They operate along the Intracoastal Waterway and New River.
How much does it cost to rent a car at Fort Lauderdale Airport?
The price of a car rental at Fort Lauderdale Airport depends on the make and model of a vehicle, and the timing of your trip. Daily rates usually range between $40-50.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a day in Fort Lauderdale?
It costs at least $40 per day to rent a car for a day in Fort Lauderdale.
How much does it cost to rent a car from Fort Lauderdale Airport?
It costs anywhere from $45-50 a day to rent a car from Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Is it cheaper to rent a car from an airport or a local location?
It’s cheaper to rent a car off-site, as car rentals at the airport often have higher than normal prices.
What is needed to rent a car in Florida?
You need a valid driver’s license or ID and a credit or debit card to pay a deposit to pick up a rental car. You will also need to have a clean driving record. Check with your rental location to verify whether anything else is needed.
Renting a car in Fort Lauderdale: final word
Renting a car in Fort Lauderdale is a great idea if you want to explore the area beyond downtown and the reosrt area. Fort Lauderdale boasts plenty of cultural and natural attractions, museums, and some of the best beaches in South Florida. When you have a rental car you can explore all of them without relying on public transportation.